Blair & Barker

Jeff and Kevin share their thoughts on Alek Manoah’s effective sinker-slider combination and Sean Manaea’s recent struggles. Larry Walker (20:27), former MLB outfielder and 2021 Hall of Fame inductee, joins the show to discuss his upcoming enshrinement into Cooperstown. Blue Jays pitcher Bryan Baker (36:29) stops by to chat about his recent promotion to the big leagues and his standout season with Triple-A Buffalo. Dallas Braden (47:07), former MLB pitcher and co-host of the Starting 9 podcast, opines about the Athletics’ strong starting rotation, Matt Chapman’s inconsistency this season, and Marcus Semien’s career year with the Blue Jays. Ben Wagner (1:04:25) checks in from Rogers Centre to chat about this weekend’s pivotal series against the A’s and Jose Berrios’ mechanical adjustment in his last start against the Tigers.

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.

Jeff and Kevin discuss the Blue Jays’ 5-4 win over the Orioles on Wednesday, Steven Matz battling through five innings of two-run ball, and Jordan Romano’s maturation as a closer. ESPN MLB Insider Jeff Passan weighs in on the early stages of MLB’s CBA talks with the MLBPA and Robbie Ray’s potential asking price in free agency (20:14). Lou Merloni, former MLB infielder and co-host of Merloni and Fauria on WEEI, stops by to chat about the Red Sox’s current COVID-19 ordeal, his interview with Alex Cora on Wednesday, and Boston exceeding expectations this season(44:51). Ed Sprague, former MLB third baseman and current Director of Player Development for the Oakland Athletics, discusses Marcus Semien’s time with the A’s, Starling Marte’s impact since being acquired at the trade deadline, and Matt Olson’s strong 2021 campaign (1:05:39). 

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate

It’s Walk Off Wednesday! Jeff and Kevin discuss George Springer tweaking his knee on Tuesday and Hyun-Jin Ryu’s inconsistency this season. Eduardo Perez, former MLB first baseman and current ESPN analyst, weighs in on the Blue Jays’ aggressive approach at the plate and Nate Pearson’s insertion into the Jays’ bullpen (20:12). Ben Wagner checks in from Rogers Centre to chat about Pearson’s return to the big leagues, Bryan Baker getting his chance with the Blue Jays, and Ryan Borucki’s struggles in 2021 (1:06:32).

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker discuss Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s two-homer performance against the Orioles on Monday, George Springer’s first game back in the lineup, Brad Hand being DFA’d, and Danny Jansen’s return from injury. Atlanta Braves pitcher and Calgary native Mike Soroka (19:51) joins the show to chat about his recovery after re-tearing his Achilles, his experience calling a recent Braves game on TV, and Atlanta’s resurgence since the trade deadline. Ryan Dempster (44:36), former MLB pitcher and current MLB Network analyst, weighs in on Robbie Ray’s Cy Young candidacy and the Rays’ championship aspirations this season. Ben Wagner (1:05:26) checks in from Rogers Centre to discuss Jansen’s rapport with Hyun-Jin Ryu, how the team will distribute the catching workload in September, and Springer’s potential return to centerfield this week.

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker host! The guys share their thoughts on Jose Berrios’ strong outing against the Tigers on Sunday, Bo Bichette rediscovering his rhythm at the plate, and George Springer’s return to the lineup. John Harper (25:58), columnist and studio analyst for SNY, joins the show to discuss the Mets’ thumbs down celebration and the team’s struggles this season. Ben Wagner (1:06:45) checks in from Rogers Centre to chat about Springer’s re-insertion into the leadoff spot, Tim Mayza’s importance to the Blue Jays’ bullpen, and Randal Grichuk’s recent struggles.

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker discuss the American League Wild Card race, how the Toronto Blue Jays fit in, who should be the offseason priority, and if there’s any concerns with Hyun-jin Ryu. Blue Jays starter Robbie Ray shares his thoughts on being involved in AL Cy Young award conversations, tweaks he has made to his game, his relationship with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate, and his future with Toronto (3:39). Cleveland’s starting pitcher Cal Quantrill stops by to discuss how he’s found success this year, being traded from the San Diego Padres, what aspects of his game he still wants to improve on and preparing for a full season after coming off a shortened campaign last year (26:30). Plus, Blue Jays radio voice Ben Wagner weighs in on Jarrod Dyson being claimed off waivers, what could this mean for George Springer in the outfield when he returns, and Bo Bichette becoming more comfortable playing at shortstop (1:07:59).

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker react to last night’s Cy Young calibre performance from Robbie Ray as he struck out 14 batters in the team’s 3-1 win over the Chicago White Sox. Later, they are joined by play-by-play voice Ben Wagner from Rogers Centre ahead of this afternoon’s series finale against Chicago with Hyun-Jin Ryu on the mound.

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker discuss Jose Berrios’ struggles in his outing against the White Sox. Chicago’s pitcher Liam Hendriks joins to chat about how close the Blue Jays were to signing him in free agency, his wife’s support throughout his career, if he made any changes to his approach to pitching this year, and what is it like to pitch under manager Tony La Russa (4:10). NBCS Chicago baseball analyst and former MLB outfielder Scott Podsednik weighs in on how Lucas Giolito has performed for the Sox this season and where does Dylan Cease fit in the starting rotation for the post-season (25:04). Plus, Blue Jays radio voice Ben Wagner jumps on to give us his thoughts on Robbie Ray’s Cy Young Award chances and if Berrios’ can find his command on the mound again (1:11:54).

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker discuss the Blue Jays winning their series opener against the White Sox and Tony La Russa’s impact on the Chicago ball club. MLB Network analyst and former first baseman Sean Casey stops by to chat about teams not producing runs with runners in scoring position, players facing pitchers who they’ve never played against before, La Russa’s knowledge of the game, Vlad Jr.’s development at first base and if the White Sox can win the AL (27:43). ESPN’s Jeff Passan joins to discuss the Padres letting go of their pitching coach with weeks left on the season, the scope of the Blue Jays team with a healthy starting rotation, what grade would Charlie Montoyo receive this year, and the future CBA talks (48:17). Plus, Blue Jays radio voice Ben Wagner jumps on to give us his daily George Springer update, if Alejandro Kirk can be an everyday catcher, and if there has been a different approach to score with runners at the bases (1:17:02).

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.

Jeff and Kevin discuss the Blue Jays falling to the Detroit Tigers in their weekend series, the top concerns in the team’s recent struggles and Miguel Cabrera’s 500th home run. Chicago White Sox radio analyst and former MLB centre fielder Darrin Jackson joins to chat about the success the team has had sitting atop of the AL Central, Tony La Russa’s goal for the club ahead of the post-season, and the talent young batters in their lineup (25:25). Plus, Blue Jays radio voice Ben Wagner jumps on to give us an update on George Springer and expectations for Alek Manoah’s start against the White Sox (1:06:10).

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.